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or the host of a party, the pressure is also great. The guests are friends, and it’s not easy to tell a friend that they’ve had too much to drink — especially when the inebriated guest insists that “I’m fine,” or “I can drive better drunk than sober.”
But there’s another slogan from the battle against drunk driving that tells the story better than any other: “Drunk driving can kill a friendship.”
Although it’s difficult to stick your neck out and tell someone that they’ve had too much to drive, think of the alternative. If they drive, you may have to live with their death — or the death or serious injury of another innocent person — knowing that you could have prevented the accident. .
The suggestions are simple, and sensible:
• As the host, never insist that guests drink more than they wish.
• Serve non-alcoholic drinks as well — perhaps something fancy, and make sure are plenty of mixers for those who want to drink the mixers without the alcohol.
• Serve food along with the alcohol. Be sure that there is plenty, and that it’s there early in the party. Alcohol consumed on a full stomach is absorbed more slowly than when the stomach is empty.
• Close the bar well before the end of the party, and offer your guests non-alcoholic refreshments after that. Have some hot coffee to revive drowsy guests, but remember coffee will wake up — but not sober up — a drunk. Only time will do that.
• Have a bartender who is alert to those who may be drinking too much, one who knows how to say “No” or who will tell you, as the host, that someone needs attention.
• Be ready for the guest who’s had too much. Offer to call a cab. Tell them they’re welcome to stay a few hours to sober up (maybe you’ve got a movie they would like to watch). Have a spare bedroom ready in case someone needs to stay. Drive them home yourself. Or, make a prior arrangement with one of the guests who is not drinking to offer a ride to someone who’s had too much. Perhaps they could use your car — which sits ready with a full tank of gas.
As a guest, there are a few hints too:
• Designate a non-drinking driver. This is the simplest way to avoid drinking and driving. If a group attends a number of holiday parties, the responsibility may be rotated among the members.
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